Growing a lily pond at home: Choose the right container and soil, and take care of algae growth

Growing water lilies in a pond is easy and doesn’t take much space or maintenance. You can curate a water lily pond even in your balcony garden. Choose tropical lilies if you get adequate sunlight throughout the day, or the hardy variety if the spot is mostly shady.

Make sure to control the growth of algae by either planting some aquatic plants or snails that can also help clean the algae along with debris, while guppy fish can help control mosquito larvae. Maintain water quality and fertilise the pond during the growing months. With the right setup and some regular maintenance, your lily pond will become the centrepiece to your outdoor space.

Here’s a guide to help you create and care for your very own home lily pond.

• Choose the right location

Your lily pond needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day, as tropical lilies need sunlight to bloom. However, if you have a mostly shaded area, choose the hardy water lily varieties that can tolerate some shade.

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• Select a suitable container

Choose a container that is large, shallow and wide, made of ceramic, plastic, or fiberglass. Make sure the container is at least 12–18 inches deep and wide enough to allow the lily roots to spread. This depth ensures enough water volume to maintain a stable temperature and provide nutrients for the plants.

• Use the right soil

Regular garden soil is often too light and may cloud the water. Use a heavy loam or clay-based aquatic plant soil to keep the lily roots anchored and prevent soil from floating. Avoid potting soil, as it often contains fertilizers or organic matter that can cloud water and encourage algae growth.

• Plant the lilies properly

To plant your lilies:

• Place the tuber at a 45-degree angle in a pot of your choice. This angle encourages new growth.
• Fill the pot with soil, leaving some space for gravel at the top.
• Add a layer of pea gravel on top of the soil to prevent it from washing away.
• After planting, submerge the pot in your pond container, placing it 6-12 inches below the water’s surface. As the lily grows, you may need to adjust the depth so that its leaves float on the water.

• Add water carefully

Use dechlorinated water to fill the container, as chlorine can harm the lilies. If you are using tap water, let it sit in a bucket for 24 hours. Slowly pour the water into the container to avoid disturbing the soil.

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• Fertilise regularly

Water lilies are heavy feeders, so use a slow-release aquatic fertilizer tablet every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer). Insert the tablet into the soil near the roots for optimal absorption. Fertilizing encourages healthy blooms and foliage.

• Control algae growth

Algae can overtake a small pond, so take steps to manage it. You can add submerged oxygenating plants, such as anacharis or hornwort, to help keep algae in check. Alternatively, you can add floating plants like water lettuce or duckweed, which shade the pond and reduce light for algae growth.

• Maintain water quality

Change about 10-5 percent of the pond water monthly to remove debris and maintain water quality. Not changing the water often enough can encourage algae or harm the lilies. Use a net to remove fallen leaves, debris, and any visible algae regularly from the water.

• Introduce aquatic creatures (optional)

Adding small fish, like mosquito fish or guppies, can help control mosquito larvae. Snails can also help clean algae and debris. However, ensure the fish you choose are compatible with water lilies and the pond environment.

• Protect in colder months

For hardy lilies, stop fertilising and let the plants go dormant as temperatures drop. Trim dead leaves and keep the container in a shaded, sheltered spot. If you’re growing tropical lilies, you may need to bring them indoors or keep them in a heated greenhouse during winter.

Creating a lily pond at home is both rewarding and relatively easy once you understand the basics.